Chronic Ankle Instability in Females: Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercises Following Joint Mobilisation

Holland, Christopher, Hughes, Jonathan D. and De Ste Croix, Mark B ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9911-4355 (2026) Chronic Ankle Instability in Females: Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercises Following Joint Mobilisation. Sport Sciences for Health. (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal disorder, with up to 70% developing CAI, linked to mechanical and functional insufficiencies such as reduced DFROM and disrupted afferent transmission. Joint mobilisations improve DFROM, increase afferent input, enhance dynamic balance, and self-reported function in those with ankle sprains. However, research on the combined effect of mobilisation and home-based exercises is limited. The study determines if home-based rehabilitation can enhance functional improvements in WB-DFROM and dynamic postural control, following Grade IV anterior-to-posterior ankle joint mobilisation in females with CAI. Methods The study adopted a randomised comparative intervention design. Forty-eight female athletes (age 22.5±3.5 years) with unilateral CAI were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. All participants received three 120-s Grade IV anterior-to-posterior talar joint mobilisation sessions, 48 h apart. The intervention group then completed 4 weeks of homebased rehabilitation exercises, with the control group maintaining normal activities. WB-DFROM and SEBT (ANT, PM, PL) were measured bilaterally before the first session, after the third, and weekly during rehabilitation. The uninjured limb served as a control. Data were analysed using mixed model ANOVAs and effect sizes with Hedge’s g. Results Significant differences were found after initial mobilisation in both groups (p≤0.001) with ‘huge’ effect sizes. The intervention group showed significant improvements in WB-DFROM, PM, and PL across all 4 weeks, and in ANT for weeks 1, 2, and 3. Conclusion Joint mobilisation followed by home-based rehabilitation effectively treats CAI in females. An effective protocol includes three 120-s joint mobilisations in the first week, followed by 2 weeks of daily exercises targeting self-mobilisation and dynamic postural control.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Chronic ankle instability; Female; Mobilisation; Maitland; Manual therapy; Rehabilitation
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301.H75 Physiology. Sport
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Charlotte Crutchlow
Date Deposited:	17 Mar 2026 15:49
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2026 08:00
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15869

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